Postnoon E-paper for 01 January,2012 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

MAJOR QUAKE HITS TOKYO

A major 7.0-magnitude earthquake rocked Tokyo on Sunday, Japan’s Meteorological Agency said, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injury and no tsunami warning was issued. The quake struck at 5.28 am (GMT), the agency said. Its epicentre was located near Torishima, an island about 560 kilometres south of Tokyo. It was about 370 kilometres deep. The mid-afternoon quake swayed buildings in Tokyo but it did not disrupt the final of the Emperor’s Cup football tournament under way at the National Stadium. Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012 HYDERABAD

WWW.POSTNOON.COM

SEVEN DIE in traffic accidents as night ends badly

WEATHER: A MIX OF CLEAR AND CLOUDY SKIES; 23°C

ROLE MODEL

32 PAGES

Is that Rajamouli directing traffic? It most certainly is. The director was on hand to help out the police on New Year’s night. Now that’s what we call a role model

Page Two

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Spirit of Twin Cities

`~ÄáåÉí=ÉñéÉÅí~íáçåë äÉ~îÉ=~=ÑÉï=Ü~ééó U Srinivas

ÜÉ= kÉï= vÉ~ê= Ü~ë= Ñ~áäÉÇ= íç ÅÜÉÉê=aÉéìíó=`ÜáÉÑ=jáåáëíÉê a~ãçÇ~ê~= o~à~å=~ê=ëáãÜ~K eÉ= Ü~Ç= ÄÉÉå= É~ÖÉêäó= ~ï~áíáåÖ= ~ `~ÄáåÉí= Éñé~åëáçå= ïÜÉêÉ= ÜÉ ÜçéÉÇ= ÜÉ= ÅçìäÇ= Ä~Ö= íÜÉ= eçãÉ éçêíÑçäáçK=eáë=ÇÉíê~Åíçêë=Åä~áã=íÜ~í ÜÉ=Ü~Ç=ÄÉÉå=éêç=îçâáåÖ=íÜÉ=ïÜáãJ ëáÅ~ä=ãáåáëíÉê=pÜ~åâ~ê=o~ç=íç=ëéáí îÉåçã= ~Ö~áåëí= íÜÉ= ÅÜáÉÑ= ãáåáëíÉê ~åÇ=eçãÉ=jáåáëíÉê=p~ÄáíÜ~=fåÇáê~ oÉÇÇóI= âÉÉéáåÖ= áå= ãáåÇ= íÜÉ= `~Ä=J áåÉí= êÉëÜìÑÑäÉ= Äìí= ÜÉ= ÇÉåáÉë= íÜáë Åä~áãK qÜÉ= çíÜÉêë= ÜçéáåÖ= Ñçê= ~= ëÉ~í áå=Å~ÄáåÉí=~ÑíÉê=íÜÉ=êÉëÜìÑÑäÉ=Ü~îÉ ÄÉÉå= éìí= íÜêçìÖÜ= ~å= ~ÖçåáëáåÖ ï~áíK= `Üáê~åàÉÉîáÛë= = Å~ãé= Ü~ë

ÄÉÉå=ëìÄàÉÅí=íç=íÜáë=ï~áíKqÜÉó=~êÉ ÅäìÉäÉëë= ~Äçìí= ïÜÉå= íÜÉó= ïáää ÜÉ~ê=~åó=~ååçìåÅÉãÉåíëK lå= íÜÉ= çíÜÉê= Ü~åÇI= íÜÉêÉ= áë pÜ~åâ~ê= o~ç= ïÜç= áë= ÉîáÇÉåíäó Ü~ééó=Ñçê=Üáë=çìëíÉê=Ñêçã=`~ÄáåÉí ïÜáÅÜ=ê~áëÉÇ=~=ÑÉï=ÉóÉÄêçïëK==fí

ï~ë= j~Ç~ã= pçåá~= d~åÇÜá= ïÜç Ü~ë= ~ééçáåíÉÇ= ãÉIÒ= o~ç= ë~áÇK låäó=ëÜÉ=Ü~ë=íÜÉ=êáÖÜí=íç=êÉäáÉîÉ ãÉ=çÑ=ãó=ÅÜ~êÖÉëKÒ ^ãçåÖ= íÜÉ= å~ãÉë= ïÜç ä~ÄçìêÉÇ= áå= î~áå= Ñçê= íÜÉ= `~ÄáåÉí Éñé~åëáçå= ÄÉåÉÑáíë= áë= aÉéìíó péÉ~âÉê=_Ü~ííá=sáâê~ã~ê~â~K=_ìíI äáâÉ=çíÜÉêë=sáâê~ã~ê~â~=êìÄÄáëÜJ Éë=íÜáë=í~äâK= ^ë= íÜÉ= `~ÄáåÉí= Éñé~åëáçå= áë éìí=çå=ÜçäÇ=ã~åó=ïÜç=Ü~Ç=ÄÉÉå í~âáåÖ=éçíëÜçíë=~í=íÜÉ=ÅÜáÉÑ=ãáåJ áëíÉê= Ü~îÉ= êÉíáêÉÇ= çåäó= íç= êÉíìêå Ç~íÉK= = _ìí= íÜÉ= lééçëáíáçåI= qam í~âÉë= íÜÉ= çééçêíìåáíó= íç= êÉãáåÇ éÉçéäÉ=íÜ~í=áåÇÉÅáëáçå=~åÇ=î~ÅáäJ ä~íáçå= Ü~îÉ= ÄÉÉå= íê~ÇÉã~êâë= çÑ íÜÉ= `çåÖêÉëë= Ñêçã= k~ê~ëáãÜ~ o~ç=Ç~óëK

ON A HIGH

Revellers bring in the New Year near the Outer Ring Road early Sunday. SYED MAZHER ALI

Around the city: Your guide to the Twin Cities BEARING WITNESS TO A NEW YEAR

Go Natural

Karaoke Night All those who love to sing get set to head to Rain pub. It’s Karaoke Night with KJ Lalit.so come sing along ! Where: o~áå=mìÄI=_~åà~ê~=eáääë= When: Jan 1, 8pm Contact: 9505200333

Through the frames

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When: Ongoing, 6 to 11.30pm Contact: (040) 27522999

Martini ‘n music It’s the perfect match for any occasion and any evening. Enjoy the winter evenings with grey goose martinis with crooner Kelly dishing out your favourite numbers. Where: q~à=hêáëÜå~I=_~åà~ê~=eáääë When: Every Evening Contact: (040) 66662323

Rock quest An exhibition of paintings by Rohini Kumar E will be on display The exhibition is on till 7pm. Where: _ÉóçåÇ=`çÑÑÉÉI=gìÄáäÉÉ= eáääë

When: Ongoing, 11am to 11pm Contact: 9849968797

Enter the Arena - A lavish brunch featuring Live Gourmet Stations, International Grills, decadent desserts paired with Moet & Chandon. Where: q~à=aÉÅÅ~åI=_~åà~ê~=eáääë When: Jan 1, 12.30 to 3.30 pm Contact: (040) 66663939

CINEMAS

Brunch on Enjoy your new year with an amazing New Year Brunch at Ista. Ista offers this amazing brunch every Sunday. Where: fëí~I=d~ÅÜáÄçïäá When: Ongoing, noon to 3.30 pm Contact: (040) 44508888

Anand Bekwad from Belgaum, a town in Northern Karnataka, is primarily a landscape artist who loves to paint vast expanses in high, aerial perspectives. His wonderful spatial compositions are done either in watercolour or mixed media. Where: eóÇÉê~Ä~Ç=j~êêáçíí=eçíÉä==

Brunch Buffet Head to the Waterside Cafe at Taj Banjara for a special New Year Brunch Buffet. Where: q~à=_~åà~ê~ When: Jan 1, 12.30 to 6.30pm Contact: (040) 66663939

Go spa! Enjoy a relaxing new years day with a Spa Brunch at 1857. With some good live music by Blues band, foot & hand massage, unlimited food and drink. Where: NURTI=kÉÅâä~ÅÉ=oç~Ç When: Jan 1, 11.45am to 4pm Contact: (040) 64543333

Italiano For those who love Italian cuisine, an Italian New Year Brunch is a great way to start the new year.It’s live music,

open bar and delicious Italian food Where: sá~=jáä~åçI=gìÄáäÉÉ=eáääë When: Jan 1 Contact: (040) 64556677

Cognac and Cigar

Frames of India-4 is a photography Exhibition by Photonirvana on Srisailam and Hampi. The event consist of 35 photographers and is the first of it’s kind . Th event is organised by Kalanirvana International Art Center with association with World art Critics and World art Games. Where: pí~íÉ=d~ääÉêó=çÑ=ÑáåÉ=~êíëI=== h~îìêá=eáääë=

When: Ongoing, 9am Contact: (040) 32914057

Thats Fab

The Seasons Bar opens up again as a Cigar and Cognac lounge with a wide selection of cognac, Rare whiskies, single malts and cigars. Where: q~à=hêáëÜå~I=_~åà~ê~=eáääë======== When: Ongoing, 7pm Contact: (040) 66662323

Cotton and silk lovers head to Kammasangam, Ameerpet for Cotton Fab’11. It is an exhibition cum sale of Silk and Cotton Fabrics. Where: h~ãã~=p~åÖ~ãI=^ãÉÉêéÉí When: Ongoing, 10.30am to 9pm Contact: (040) 23743465

Champagne Brunch

Visual art

For those with a love for all things regal this is a perfect New Year offer. Get ready to be pampered with a luxurious champagne brunch on the first day of the new year. Where: q~à=c~ä~âåìã~I=c~ä~âåìã~ When: Jan 1, noon Contact:(040) 24388888

An exhibition cum sale of paintings by Hari Srinivas. The Exhibition is on display till 30 January 2012. Where: Wspi=sáëì~ä=^êí=d~ääÉêóI= mäçí=åç=NMMI=^m=qÉñí=_ççâ== `çäçåóI=dìå=oçÅâ=båÅä~îÉ

When: Ongoing Contact: 9247175135

Big Cinemas, Ameerpet, 30581470; Cinemax, Banjara Hills, 44565555; Cine Planet , Kompally, 61606060; INOX, Banjara Hills, 447677770, Prasads, Tank Bund Rd, 23448888; PVR, Punjagutta, 08800900009; Talkie Town, Miyapur, 40214175; Tivoli, Secunderabad 27844973

Hyper Local

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

City wakes to a bloody dawn

Mohd Shuban

HYDERABAD:

pÉîÉå= ãÉåI ãçëí= çÑ= íÜÉã= ëíìÇÉåíë= ~åÇ= ~ÖÉÇ ÄÉíïÉÉå= NS= ~åÇ= OM= óÉ~êëI= ïÉêÉ âáääÉÇ= ~åÇ= O= ëìëí~áåÉÇ= ÖêáÉîçìë áåàìêáÉë= áå= íïç= ëÉé~ê~íÉ= êç~Ç ~ÅÅáÇÉåíë= é~ëí= ãáÇåáÖÜí= áå= íÜÉ `áíó=ä~ëí=åáÖÜíK få= íÜÉ= Ñáêëí= áåÅáÇÉåíI= ÑáîÉ= ëíìJ ÇÉåíëI= ïÜç= êçÇÉ= íçÖÉíÜÉê= çå= ~ ÄáâÉI= ÇáÉÇ= ïÜÉå= íÜÉ= îÉÜáÅäÉ îÉÉêÉÇ=çÑÑ=íÜÉ=êç~Ç=~åÇ=ÑÉää=áåíç=~ å~ää~Ü= ~Çà~ÅÉåí= íç= _çïÉåé~ääóJ q~ÇÄìå= oç~Ç= áå= íÜÉ= ïÉÉ= Üçìêë íçÇ~óK qÜÉ= ÇÉÅÉ~ëÉÇ= ~êÉ= pêáâ~åíÜI pÜáî=hìã~êI=_Ü~ê~íÜI=pìêÉëÜ=~äá~ë k~êÉëÜK= p~áI= íÜÉ= ÑáÑíÜ= çå= íÜÉ= ÄáâÉ Ü~ë=ëÉêáçìë=áåàìêáÉë=~åÇ=áë=áå=__o eçëéáí~ä= _~ä~å~Ö~êK= ^ää= ÑáîÉ= ~êÉ êÉëáÇÉåíë=çÑ=_Ü~Ö~íÜ=páåÖÜ=k~Ö~ê `Üáåí~ä=áå=gÉÉÇáãÉíä~K _çïÉåé~ääó= áåëéÉÅíçê= d pêáåáî~ë= ë~áÇ= íÜ~í= íÜÉ= îáÅíáãëI= ~ää ~ÖÉÇ=ÄÉíïÉÉå=NS=íç=OMI=ïÉêÉ=`ä~ëë fu= ~åÇ= áåíÉêãÉÇá~íÉ= ëíìÇÉåíë Ñêçã= ÇáÑÑÉêÉåí= ëÅÜççäë= ~åÇ= ÅçäJ äÉÖÉë=áå=íÜÉ=`áíóK= eÉ= ë~áÇ= íÜÉ= ëíìÇÉåíë= Ü~Ç= ~ éÉÖ= íçç= ã~åó= ìåÇÉê= íÜÉáê= ÄÉäí ~åÇ= ~ÑíÉê= ìëÜÉêáåÖ= áå= íÜÉ= kÉï vÉ~ê=~í=q~ÇÄìåÇ=~åÇ=ïÉêÉ=êÉíìêåJ áåÖ= ÜçãÉK= qáãÉ= ï~ë= é~ëí= O~ã

Chilling facts

7 dead 2 critical Age: 16-20 years

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■

Threat of strict police vigil turned out to be hoax. Those celebrating New Year in different parts of the City had not negotiated any Anand boys as the police claimed.

■

When quizzed on the absence of checking, a police officer laughed and said it was to caution the public and prevent adventures on road

■

None of the riders wore helmet. Three of them suffered head injuries.

■

No night patrolling. Had there been one, the boys would have been caught and their lives saved.

■

Parents seem unaware their kids’ ‘collective’ ride.

■

In the car accident, driver had not fastened safety belt

Midnight toll tÜ~í=Åçëí=íÜÉ=Ñçìê=óçìåÖJ ëíÉêë=íÜÉáê=äáîÉëI=ÄÉëáÇÉë íÜÉáê=Ç~êÉÇÉîáäêó n Total absence of police check n No use of breath analyser reported anywhere eçëéáí~äK= qÜÉ= é~ëëÉåÖÉêë= áå= íÜÉ= çíÜÉê Å~ê=ÉëÅ~éÉÇ=ïáíÜ=áåàìêáÉëK

Hyper Local

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

Biased ‘progress’ angers neglected Inkeshaf Ahmed ahmed.m@postnoon.com

here are two Indias — Bharat and India. Likewise, it has been found that Hyderabad too has two faces — one pampered and the other neglected. This came out a while ago, but corrections have not been done. It was on November 3 when as new Commissioner MT Krishna Babu, in his maiden speech to the general board meeting, observed that the City wards had a lopsided development as was evident from the fact that some divisions received more than the `50 lakh fund to every corporator and some have received less. He then solemnly pledged that he will correct the disparity before the end of 2011. Allocation of `50 lakh to each corporator was given top priority. The resolution to allocate `50 lakh each was adopted in the very first meeting of the General Body held on January 18, 2010 two years ago. Babu found that 63 divisions received funds, and remaining 87 divisions have got more than `1

crore. “We will correct the anomaly,” the Commissioner had said. But many corporators are crying foul. They haven’t received a farthing. TDP’s corporators from IS Sadan and Aliabad divisions M Prashanth Kumar Reddy and Rajender respectively said that the Commissioner did not fulfill his promise. While Prashant Kumar Reddy said that he had partially received funds for development works from the assured amount, Rajender said that he did not even

Total resolutions approved in GHMC General Body Meeting 2010 218 Implemented 109 Midway 59 Remaining 50 receive a single rupee during the current fiscal. "I am yet to receive anything, during the current fiscal (2011-12). I proposed various development works worth `39

lakhs. The officials are giving various excuses for this," he told Postnoon. Many of Rajender’s development works included construction of play grounds, remodelling of drains and pavement construction. The ruling MIM corporator from Talabchanchalam Wajahat Ali Khan has called the promise made by the Commissioner a ‘big lie’ and said that many of the party corporators are yet to receive the promised amount. During the current fiscal Wajahat proposed development works worth `33.4 lakh. Surprisingly, he did not get a single sanction. "The commissioner's promise is a big lie. I proposed development work of `33.4 lakh and I did not get even a single sanction so far," he said. According to Wajahat, the delay in sanctioning funds are forcing them to face the wrath of people as they are unable to undertake basic work like maintenance and repair of roads and drains after rainy season. "Our residents are unhappy with us. They expressing their anger at us," he said.

Quote WAJAHAT ALI KHAN, corporator Talabchanchalam The commissioner's promise is a ‘big lie.’ I proposed `33.4lakh development work and I did not get even a single sanction so far RAJENDER Aliabad corporator I am yet to receive a single rupee during the current fiscal. I proposed various development works But I did not get anything so far. Official Quote VANDAN KUMAR, Zonal Commissioner, South Zone We are giving immediate sanctions to development works proposed by every corporator in South Zone. I think the delay is being done because of the corporators and not by us.

Congress-MIM alliance under strain Postnoon news

HYDERABAD: Notwithstanding the bonhomie projected for public display, all’s not well between the GHMC ruling alliance partners, the Congress and MIM. The former has sent out a strong signal, albeit indirectly, to its alliance partner by postponing the meeting to elect the mayor. Although, the Congress’ official stand is that the mayor election meeting was postponed following a request from party MPs to the State Election Commission in view of the Parliament Winter Session, another story is doing rounds in political circles. Sources close to Congress leaders say the party has sent out a strong signal to the MIM that its Helpline GAS BOOKING IVRS NO: HP 9666023456 Indane 9848824365 BSNL Complaints HMWS & SB Complaints

198 155313

POLICE CONTROL ROOM: Hyderabad 27852435 Traffic Control Room 27852482 DCP Traffic 23234065, 23243499F Pollution Control Board 23887500 ELECTRICITY: General Complaints Breakdown Section

155333 23431178 23431179 Street Light 155304 MUNICIPAL CORPORATION:

rule for the next two years is not going a smooth ride given the difference in numbers between the partners. Presently, the Congress has 55 corporators including 3 Independents and one associate member, the MIM has 43. According to party sources, the

Congress is of the view that if it did not dominate from the beginning, the MIM might have its sway over many crucial issues. The postponement of the mayor election meeting has angered many in the MIM. "We never thought the meeting would

be postponed. It has indeed dissatisfied us," one MIM leader said. Earlier, the unilateral decision of the former mayor B Karthika Reddy to approve the draft budget proposal for the year 2012-13 in the standing committee days before her resignation also hurt

Rasool bats for Muslim Dy Mayor T

he race for GHMC deputy mayor’s post has become more interesting with more heavyweights lobbying either for their candidate or someone from a particular group for the post. The latest to enter the fray is APCC general Secretary Abid Rasool Khan who appealed to Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and APCC president Botsa Satyanarayana to nominate a Muslim

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candidate for the post. Khan pushed his case reasoning that since Muslims constitute about 40 per cent voters of the GHMC electorate it would be a Muslim candidate would be apt for the post. This would allow Muslims to approach the deputy mayor for the redress of their problems, he said. He said that Muslims of Hyderabad played a crucial role in the

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electoral victory of Congress MLAs in the last general election and their support has helped some of the legislators secure Cabinet berths. "A Muslim corporator for the deputy mayor's post would not only further endorse the Congress’ commitment to uplift the Muslims but will also help it in ensuing co-operative and local body elections,” he added. 39879999 27567892 23559555 23226624 27633087 27035588 27550238 30799999 30418296 30417445

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the sentiments of the MIM. MIM was under the assumption that the draft budget would be approved after the election of its mayor. The party had not only objected but also forced the Congress to postpone the standing committee meeting. This did not go down well with the Congress and forced it to rethink its strategy in dealing with the MIM. "We have more number of seats than MIM. Our feelings and views have to be respected come what may," said one Congress party corporator. However, APCC general secretary Abid Rasool Khan denied such a strategy was being implemented and said that the Congress and MIM shared cordial ties.

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Readers’ views We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222

India‑View Special Report

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Euro at a crossroads

As the Euro turns 10 it stands at a crossroads, and 2012 could be the year which might shape the future of the Euro. By Invitation Satish Vankayalapati

011 has been yet another unprecedented year for the global currency markets. The markets have been shaken by a myriad of forces – downgrade of sovereign credit rating in developed economies, European debt crisis, price correction in emerging markets, central bank interventions, and fluctuations in commodity prices. All these factors will continue to impact capital flows, as the global currency markets enter a new year. On the currency market spotlight is on the Euro, which has undergone an upheaval of sorts, and is at a crossroads at the close of 2011. The European Union and the Euro face a verdict in 2012. To understand how the scenarios could play out in 2012, it is important to review the genesis of the Euro and its performance since inception.

The genesis On January 1, 1999, eleven European nations agreed to replace their national currencies with a single currency – the Euro. The idea of a single currency was the result of an attempt to bring the European region together. The underlying rationale was that a united economic system would reduce the risk of war and discontentment between the member countries, and open the door to economic, financial and labour integration,and cooperation between member nations in a multitude of areas. The historic and challenging mission of introducing a single European currency was expected to have dramatic effects not only on the political and economic climate of the region, but also on the international monetary system on the whole.

The golden decade (1999 – 2009) Since its debut, the success of the Euro has exceeded the expectations of the believers, and silenced the critics. Five new members have joined the EU, after having fulfilled the conditions for euro adoption - Greece in 2001, Slovenia in 2007, Cyprus and Malta in 2008, and Slovakia at the start of 2009. Today, the euro is the single currency for more than 320 million European citizens. Besides the wide scale adoption, the golden decade of the Euro had several successes.

First, the inflation in the EU zone was under control and the inflationvolatility had reduced, in effect, bringing economic stability to Europe. Second, the Euro minimized the exchange rate risk within the euro area and increased price transparency, reduced transaction costs, and heightened competition, thereby promoting trade within the euro area. European firms broadened their markets by exporting their goods and services, resulting in competition and increased consumers’ choices. Third, the unique governance model of the EU, which effectively combined regional policy setting with domestic policies, was not a disaster as many expected it to be. Finally, the Euro established itself as a credible alternative to the US Dollar. Some of the OPEC nations announced their intent to wean away from the USD to a basket of currencies (led by the Euro) for their oil exports.

The cracks develop (2010 – 2011) While the Euro was basking in its success, a few cracks began to develop from 2002, as a result of several factors – cheap and easy credit, high borrowings by the governments, real estate bubble burst, and global economic slow-down since 2008. Investors became nervous about the high levels of public debt in EU nations such as Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Italy etc., which made it difficult for these nations to refinance their public debt. The credit agency downgrade of these nations only worsened the problem. The results were disastrous – a rescue package of close to a trillion dollars, write-offs of debt by banks and lending institutions, and an increased bail-out package in 2011 of almost 1.5 trillion dollars.

Hyderabad’s first afternoon newspaper

e b i r c ! s b Su DAY TO 1 Year

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What is in store for 2012? The Euro is now at a crossroads, and 2012 could be the year which might shape the future of the Euro. The rescue plan for the euro presented by Germany and France might be adopted, thereby invigorating the Euro, or might be rejected, resulting in an uncertain future for the Euro. The recent statement from European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso sums up the situation. “This is not an agreement at 17plus, but an agreement at 27-minus”. The writer is co-chairman of Region Holdings

6 Months

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Spot Light

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

PICS: SRINIVAS SETTY

CLASSIFIEDS FABRICATION

PACKERS & MOVERS

A night to remember The Golkonda Resorts was a sight to behold on Saturday night as the city ushered in the New Year with music, laughter and a lot of dancing

Spotlight

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

PICS: N SHIVA KUMAR

Rollicking New Year Revellers have a ball at the Park Hotel

India‑View

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

India unveiled

Anna admitted to Pune hospital PUNE: ^åå~= e~ò~êÉ= ëìÑÑÉêáåÖ Ñêçã= ~= ëÉîÉêÉ= ÅÜÉëí= ÅçåÖÉëíáçå ï~ë=íçåáÖÜí=~ÇãáííÉÇ=íç=~=éêáî~íÉ Üçëéáí~ä= ÜÉêÉ= Ñçê= ÑìêíÜÉê= íêÉ~íJ ãÉåí=ÑçääçïáåÖ=~ÇîáÅÉ=Äó=ÇçÅíçêëK e~ò~êÉI= TQI= ï~ë= ëÜáÑíÉÇ= Ñêçã o~äÉÖ~å= páÇÇÜá= íç= íÜÉ= Üçëéáí~ä ~ÑíÉê=ãÉÇáÅ~ä=Éñ~ãáå~íáçå=ïÜáÅÜ ëÜçïÉÇ= íÜ~í= ÜÉ= ï~ë= ëìÑÑÉêáåÖ Ñêçã= ~= ÅÜÉëí= áåÑÉÅíáçåI= ~ ëéçâÉëã~å=Ñçê=p~åÅÜÉíá=eçëéáí~ä ë~áÇK qÜÉ= ~Åíáîáëí= Ü~ë= ÄÉÉå= ëìÑÑÉêJ áåÖ=Ñêçã=~=îáê~ä=áåÑÉÅíáçå=ëáåÅÉ=ÜÉ ìåÇÉêíççâ= Üáë= Ñ~ëí= çå= aÉÅÉãÄÉê OTI=ïÜáÅÜ=ï~ë=ëìÄëÉèìÉåíäó=ïáíÜJ Çê~ïå=íÜÉ=åÉñí=Ç~óK e~ò~êÉ= ä~íÉê= ïÉåí= íç= Üáë å~íáîÉ= îáää~ÖÉ= o~äÉÖ~å= páÇÇÜá= áå ^ÜãÉÇå~Ö~ê= ÇáëíêáÅí= Ñçê= êÉëí= ~åÇ êÉÅìéÉê~íáçåK aê= he= p~åÅÜÉíáI= ïÜç= Éñ~ãJ áåÉÇ= e~ò~êÉI= ~ÇîáëÉÇ= Üáë= ÜçëéáJ í~äáë~íáçå= Ñçê= éêçéÉê= íêÉ~íãÉåí ~åÇ= ëéÉÉÇó= êÉÅçîÉêó= Ñêçã= íÜÉ éêçäçåÖÉÇ=áåÑÉÅíáçå=~åÇ=ÑÉîÉêK qÜÉ= ~åíáJÖê~Ñí= Åêìë~ÇÉê= áë ÉñéÉÅíÉÇ= íç= ëéÉåÇ= ~í= äÉ~ëí= Ñçìê Ç~óë=áå=íÜÉ=Üçëéáí~äI=ëçìêÅÉë=ë~áÇK ?qÜÉêÉ= áë= ÅçåÖÉëíáçå= áå= Üáë Ee~ò~êÉDëF= ÅÜÉëí= ~åÇ= ÜÉ= Ü~ë ëíêçåÖ=ÅçìÖÜK=eÉ=Å~åDí=êÉã~áå=áå ~= ëáåÖäÉ= éçëáíáçå= Ñçê= ~= ãáåìíÉK qÜÉêÉÑçêÉ=fDîÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíÉÇ=íç=~Çãáí Üáã= áå= mìåÉI?= aê= p~åÅÜÉíá= Ü~Ç ë~áÇK e~ò~êÉ= ëÜçìäÇ= ÖÉí= ~å= uJê~ó ÇçåÉ= çå= Üáë= ÅÜÉëí= ~åÇ= ìåÇÉêÖç

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HELPING HANDS

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AMRITSAR: mêáãÉ= jáåáëíÉê j~åãçÜ~å= páåÖÜ= ï~ë= ëÜçïå Ää~Åâ= Ñä~Öë= Äó= ~åíáJÅçêêìéíáçå Åêìë~ÇÉê= ^åå~= e~ò~êÉDë= ëìéJ éçêíÉêë= ~ë= ÜÉ= Å~ãÉ= çìí= çÑ= íÜÉ dçäÇÉå=qÉãéäÉ=ÜÉêÉ=~ÑíÉê=çÑÑÉêJ áåÖ= éê~óÉêë= çå= íÜÉ= Ñáêëí= Ç~ó= çÑ íÜÉ=åÉï=óÉ~ê=pìåÇ~óK qÜÉ=éêçíÉëí=Äó=ëçãÉ=e~ò~êÉ ëìééçêíÉêë= Å~ìÖÜí= íÜÉ= ëÉÅìêáíó ~ÖÉåÅáÉë=ÅçãéäÉíÉäó=çÑÑ=Öì~êÇK qÜçìÖÜ= åçåÉ= çÑ= íÜÉ éêçíÉëíÉêë= ÅçìäÇ= êÉ~ÅÜ= ~åóJ ïÜÉêÉ= åÉ~ê= íÜÉ= éêáãÉ= ãáåáëíÉêI íÜÉó= ïÉêÉ= ~ÄäÉ= íç= êÉÖáëíÉê= íÜÉáê ëóãÄçäáÅ=éêçíÉëí=~ë=íÜÉó=ëÜçìíJ ÉÇ= éêçJ^åå~= e~ò~êÉ= ~åÇ= éêçJ g~å=içâé~ä=_áää=ëäçÖ~åëK= qÜÉ= áåÅáÇÉåí= íççâ= éä~ÅÉ= àìëí ~ë=j~åãçÜ~å=páåÖÜ=~åÇ=Üáë=ïáÑÉ dìêëÜ~ê~å=h~ìê=Å~ãÉ=çìí=çÑ=íÜÉ páâÜ=ëÜêáåÉ=~ÑíÉê=çÑÑÉêáåÖ=éê~óÉêëK qÜÉ= éêáãÉ= ãáåáëíÉê= ëí~êíÉÇ íÜÉ= Ñáêëí= Ç~ó= çÑ= íÜÉ= åÉï= óÉ~ê= Äó çÑÑÉêáåÖ=éê~óÉêë=~í=íÜÉ=ÜçäáÉëí=çÑ páâÜ=ëÜêáåÉëI=e~êã~åÇ~ê=p~ÜáÄI éçéìä~êäó= âåçïå= ~ë= dçäÇÉå qÉãéäÉI=É~êäó=pìåÇ~óK IANS

An old woman being taken away by relatives from a flooded street in Thiruvanantha puram city on Saturday.

PIC: PTI

Rajasthan doctors call off strike JAIPUR: ^Öáí~íáåÖ= ÖçîÉêåãÉåí ÇçÅíçêë=Å~ääÉÇ=çÑÑ=íÜÉáê=ëíêáâÉ=~Ñí=J Éê=íÜÉ=ÖçîÉêåãÉåí=íççâ=áåáíá~íáîÉ íç= ÉåÇ= íÜÉ= NNJÇ~óJäçåÖ= ëíáê= çîÉê é~ó=ÜáâÉ=~åÇ=íáãÉ=ÄçìåÇ=éêçãçJ íáçåëK=aê=^à~ó=`ÜçìÇÜ~êó=~åÇ=aê k~ëêÉÉå= _Ü~êíáI= éêÉëáÇÉåí= ~åÇ ÖÉåÉê~ä= ëÉÅêÉí~êó= çÑ= ^âÜáä o~à~ëíÜ~å= o~àó~= pÉî~ê~í= `Üáâáíë=J

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íÜÉ= ÇÉ~ÇäçÅâ= Äó= äáÑíáåÖ= o~à~ëíÜ~å bëëÉåíá~ä= pÉêîáÅÉë= j~á=åí=Éå~åÅÉ ^Åí=Eobpj^F=~åÇ=çêÇÉêÉÇ=êÉäÉ~ëÉ çÑ=~ää=íÜÉ=à~áäÉÇ=ÇçÅíçêëK `j=^ëÜçâ=dÉÜäçí=É~êäáÉê=ÜÉäÇ ~=ÜáÖÜJäÉîÉä=ãÉÉíáåÖ=~åÇ=ÇÉÅáÇÉÇ íç=äáÑí=obpj^=~åÇ=çêÇÉêÉÇ=êÉäÉ~ëÉ çÑ=íÜÉ=~Öáí~íáåÖ=ÇçÅíçêë=ïÜç=ïÉêÉ éìí=ÄÉÜáåÇ=Ä~êë=ìåÇÉê=íÜÉ=^ÅíK

Playing Field

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

The games people play

Rovers crash Fergie’s B’day bash Blackburn ruined Sir Alex Ferguson’s 70th birthday celebrations as they claimed a shock 3-2 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

rant Hanley headed home the winner 10 minutes from time after Dimitar Berbatov’s double had cancelled out a brace from Ayegbeni Yakubu that had given Blackburn a surprise twogoal advantage. It cost United their chance to claim leadership of the Barclays Premier League on the day Ferguson confirmed his intention to remain as manager for another three years. It was all United but the hosts were in for a very nasty shock as Patrice Evra’s foul gave Mark Bunn the chance to launch a free-kick into the home box. Berbatov and Christopher Samba got themselves involved in a tussle that ended with the Bulgarian tumbling to the floor and taking

his opponent with him. Referee Mike Dean had a brilliant view and instantly decided the clash was worthy of a penalty. Veteran striker Yakubu took the opportunity with ease, sending David De Gea the wrong way. United responded and Bunn made an excellent save to deny Nani, who had been picked out by Evra, then the Blackburn goalkeeper made a feet-first save to turn away Javier Hernandez’s low effort in stoppage time. Six minutes after the restart, United were even further behind as Yakubu turned Michael Carrick then profited from the former England man’s weak clearance to stride past Phil Jones and drive the ball through De Gea’s legs. Disastrously for Blackburn,

they conceded themselves within 20 seconds of the restart as United advanced, the ball eventually finding its way to Rafael, whose cross was turned home by Berbatov. Now United were on the offensive and when Morten Gamst Pedersen’s poor clearance fell to Rafael, he was quick to release Antonio Valencia on his outside. The winger outpaced the Rovers defence before pulling a cross back to Berbatov, who calmly sidefooted home. Then, after Jones had turned Steven Nzonzi’s cross over, Blackburn regained the lead when De Gea failed to claim Pedersen’s corner, Hanley winning the first header before nodding a second in.

Van Persie falls short of record

FA: Suarez evidence ‘unreliable’

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie netted the decider in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of QPR but failed to break the record of Premier League goals in a calendar year.

he Gunners skipper came into the match knowing he had 90 minutes to net twice and equal Alan Shearer’s 36-goal haul. Van Persie came close on four occasions during the first period, before netting with his first chance of the second half. The Holland international swept home Andrey Arshavin’s pass but a second proved elusive as Arsenal ended 2011 with a victory. Arsenal controlled the first half and after Joey Barton fired a shot across the face of goal, Van Persie twice came close at the other end. The Gunners twice had penalty shouts rejected as halftime approached, before a goalbound Aaron Ramsey effort was

cleared off the line by Barton and goalkeeper Radek Cerny parried a fierce Mikel Arteta drive. QPR looked rejuvenated after the break and Jamie Mackie found the net within two min-

utes, although the whistle had already been blown for offside. Armand Traore’s dangerous left-wing cross caught Arsenal off guard five minutes later, but Alejandro Faurlin’s miscued shot

allowed Wojciech Szczesny to gather comfortably. Theo Walcott shot wide but the Gunners broke the deadlock through Van Persie four minutes later on the hour. Arshavin found time and space on the left flank to find the Arsenal skipper, who swept a left-footed drive past Cerny inside the box. Luke Young’s block stopped Arshavin doubling the north Londoners’ advantage, before Adel Taarabt went down under substitute Francis Coquelin’s challenge - but no penalty was given. Van Persie showed strength and skill to lose his marker and cross for Gervinho, who shot wide from close range, as the Gunners had to settle for just the one goal.

iverpool’s Luis Suarez gave “unreliable” and “inconsistent” evidence to the commission investigating claims that he racially abused Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, it has emerged. The Football Association released the independent regulatory commission’s full written reasons on Saturday evening on its website. The 115-page document goes into detail of the case and the conversation the two players had during the match at Anfield on October 15. On December 20, following a lengthy investigation by an Independent Regulatory Commission, the FA announced that Suarez would be banned for eight matches and fined £40,000 for racially abusing Evra.

Playing Field

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

The games people play

Scott’s late goal holds Tottenham to draw

Chelsea suffered the worst possible end to 2011 as Aston Villa came from behind to snatch a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.

cott Sinclair’s scrambled late equaliser earned Swansea a deserved 1-1 draw and denied Tottenham the chance to close within four points of the Barclays Premier League summit at the Liberty Stadium. Rafael van der Vaart had given the visitors the lead a minute before the break as he capitalised on a defensive error from Joe Allen to sweep home with the help of a deflection from Ashley Williams. Swansea had not managed to pick up a single point this season after conceding the first goal, but they bucked the trend as a period of heavy pressure was rewarded when Brad Friedel hesitated when dealing with a deflected Angel Rangel cross for Sinclair to nip in and claim his

The saviour Swansea had not managed to pick up a single point this season after conceding the first goal, but they bucked the trend as a period of heavy pressure was rewarded when Brad Friedel hesitated when dealing with a deflected Angel Rangel cross for Sinclair to nip in and claim his fifth goal of the campaign. fifth goal of the campaign. Nathan Dyer almost gave Swansea a dream start after being picked out by Mark Gower, but his curling effort was palmed away by Friedel.

Chelsea beaten black and blue

tiliyan Petrov and substitute Darren Bent both scored in the final seven minutes to put another nail in the Blues’ Barclays Premier League title hopes. Didier Drogba’s penalty - his 150th Chelsea goal - had given the home side the lead but Stephen Ireland put his off-field problems behind him to equalise before the late drama. In the 22nd minute Richard Dunne lunged in on Drogba and referee Mark Halsey awarded a penalty. Drogba stepped up to

score straight down the middle. But the Blues conceded less than 10 minutes after taking the lead. Charles N’Zogbia got to the byline and cut the ball back for Ireland, whose shot was blocked on the line by John Terry - possibly by a hand - straight back to the midfielder, who slotted home. Terry was then booked for clattering into Gabriel Agbonlahor on the halfway line before Stephen Warnock threw himself forward to block Juan Mata’s shot. James Collins almost inadvertently bundled home N’Zogbia’s

free-kick before Agbonlahor missed a chance on the break but his finish was too close to Petr Cech. Substitute Fernando Torres crashed a 30-yard shot against the crossbar and Ashley Cole had a handball appeal against Dunne waved away by Halsey. Ciaran Clark passed to Petrov who ran into space between Terry and David Luiz to clip the ball over Cech. Frank Lampard’s pass was then intercepted by Ireland, who squared for Bent to beat the onrushing Cech.

Watson saves 10-man Wigan B

en Watson came off the bench to rescue a valuable 2-2 draw for 10-man Wigan in a thrilling finale to their match with Stoke at the Britannia Stadium. Victor Moses put the struggling Latics ahead on the stroke of half-time, but Gary Caldwell was then sent off for deliberate handball in the 76th minute and Jonathan Walters converted the resulting penalty to draw eighth-placed Stoke level. When substitute Cameron Jerome - whose header had led to Caldwell’s dismissal - subsequently put the hosts ahead, things looked bleak for Wigan, but Watson then scored an 87th-minute penalty of his own —with his first touch — after Ryan Shotton had been penalised for a tug on Hugo Rodallega’s shirt. Wigan, who remain in the Barclays Premier League relega-

tion zone despite the point, took the lead in the 45th minute as Ronnie Stam played in Rodallega down the right channel and the Colombian crossed for Moses to slot home with a clinical first-time finish. Wigan survived a major letoff just before the hour mark when Robert Huth headed against the post but the visitors were not so fortunate 13 minutes from time as Stoke drew level.

Playing Field

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

The games people play

SUCKER PUNCH

YOKOHAMA: Titleholder Takashi Uchiyama of Japan scored a technical knockout to beat Jorge Solis of Mexico and defend the World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight crown on

Saturday. The knockout time came 19 seconds into the 11th round when Uchiyama fired a left fist straight to the face to send Solis onto the floor. “I trained hard to use this punch, because I

Betting fears loom large over London LONDON: Fixing now poses the biggest threat to the integrity of the Olympics, the British minister for the 2012 London Games told The Sunday Times newspaper, citing illegal Asian betting rings. Olympics minister Hugh Robertson said fixing had overtaken drugs cheats in terms of the threat posed to the reputation of the Games. “You cannot underestimate the threat this poses because the moment that spectators start to feel that what they are seeing in front of them is not a true contest, that is when spectators stop turning up and the whole thing falls to pieces,” he told the weekly broadsheet. He said he thought betting authorities in Western countries were “well set up” to spot illegal activity but criticised the lack of regulation in Asia, both on the Indian sub-continent and in the Far East. Robertson cited the recent cricket corruption scandal, in which three Pakistan players were jailed in Britain for their part in spot-fixing, pre-arranged elements in a match which betting rings can make money on. “The issue is not of betting syndicates in this part of the world,” the minister said.

couldn’t use my right fist for 11 months due to an injury. I wanted to fight longer, but I was lucky to win by a knockout,” said Uchiyama, 32. “He (Solis) is a top-ranked fighter, so I must prove my potential,”

added Uchiyama, who improved his unbeaten record to 18 wins, including 15 KOs. The 32-year-old Solis, who could not stand up after the knockout, has 40 wins, including 29 KOs, against four defeats.

Japanese stars draw strength from Tsunami victims TOKYO: Japanese sports stars who donated generously to help victims of March’s massive earthquake and tsunami say the giving was not all one way, with many drawing inspiration from the strength of those affected. Makoto Hasebe, a midfielder for leading German football side Wolfsburg, visited the Pacific coastal town of Minamisanriku over Christmas to see an area that was all but washed away by the monster waves. He arrived with a donation of 95 million yen ($1.2 million) to help rebuild a kindergarten. “I paid the visit believing I could be of some help,” said the 27-year-old, who captained Japan’s national side to a record fourth Asian Cup at the start of 2011. “But it worked the other way around. I drew strength from the smiles on children’s faces.” Golf icon and heart-throb Ryo Ishikawa said his game had changed after he vowed at the Masters in April to donate all his prize money from the domestic tour and the four world majors this year to tsunami victims. “I have since felt a certain sense of responsibility,” he said. Ishikawa ended the season in December without a win, but recorded his best result in a major when he came 20th at the US Open. The 20-year-old, who holds a number of lucrative sponsorship contracts, also threw in 100,000 yen for every birdie or better he made, taking his contribution to 133.5 million yen. Under the slogan “Gambare (Hang on), Nippon!” Japan stood united during a year marked by tragedy that Emperor Akihito labelled “truly distressing”. Its people earned praise from around the globe for their uncomplaining attitude in the face of the calamity. Massive donations of cash, provisions or labour poured in from all walks of life to Japan’s northeast where a 9.0-magnitute quake and the resulting tsunami left 20,000 dead and sparked the worst nuclear crisis in a generation.

Tipsarevic eyes steady start in India CHENNAI: Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic hopes to build on a successful 2011 when he starts the new season as the top seed at the ATP Chennai Open from Monday. The lanky Serb broke into the top 10 for the first time last year, capped by two titles and a memorable win over compatriot and world number one Novak Djokovic at the World Tour finals in London. Tipsarevic, number nine in the end-of-year-rankings, described his swift rise from the mid-40s as a “dream come true” and is determined to continue his climb up the ladder. “I never thought I could reach this far so fast only in one season,” he said. “My determination made the difference.” Tipsarevic, who lost in the semi-finals at Chennai last year, returns to the tournament in the southern Indian city looking to strike early form ahead of the Australian Open, the season’s opening Grand

Slam. The other top contenders include defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland, Nicolas Almagro of Spain and rising star Milos Raonic of Canada. Wawrinka, who beat Xavier Malisse of Belgium in last year’s final, said he looked forward to

another productive start to the season. “I can’t wait to kick off the season,” Wawrinka said. “I love these events at the beginning of the year and hopefully I can do as well as last year.” Wawrinka conceded he faced a tough battle in defending his Chennai Open title.

“It is a very strong field,” he said. “Tipsarevic has the game to stay in the top 10, Raonic is sure to cause a few upsets this year and Almagro is always a big fighter and tough opponent. It promises to be a great tournament.” Almagro, who won three titles on clay last year, makes his maiden appearance on the hard courts of the Nungambakkam tennis stadium hoping to iron out the flaws in his game. “I need to work on my physical and mental strengths,” the 26-year-old said. “I need to improve my volley and try to be regular all through the season. I hope this will be a good week for me.” Raonic, a 21-year-old Canadian with a booming serve, was named the ATP’s newcomer of the year in 2011 after rising from world number 156 at the start of the year to number 31.

Business

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Matters of saving and spending

Lock, stock and barrel

Wish NTR were alive

always miss NTR every New Year. In the wee hours of January 18, 1996, a colleague of mine woke me up to break the sad news of NTR’s demise. I was shocked. I had met NTR the previous evening when he was peeved over a court order going in favour of his impudent son-in-law N Chandrababu Naidu. It will be 16 years since the (G)old man passed away. He was ahead of his times in many of his thoughts and deeds. I wish he were alive and that too as the Chief Minister today. Because, the official meetings used to begin at 4 am. And, by 8 am, he

long with technology, corruption too crept in pencilling 2011 as a year of scams in the annals of the history of politics of business. Unless proved, nobody is guilty. For now, former Telecom minister A Raja is the prime accused in the 2G Spectrum scam. He is locked up in Tihar jail since February 2, 2011. Many corporates too shared the barracks with the DMK leader. Until the court granted a bail, even the DMK patriarch’s pet daughter Kanimozhi languished in the jail. Shahid Usman Balwa of Swan Telecom, Unitech Limited MD Sanjay Chandra, Swan Telecom Director Vinod Goenka and

Sunday Soup A Saye Sekhar

Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group executives Gautam Doshi, Hari Nair and Surendra Pipara were all given bail in the 2G scam, which touted to be running into several thousands of crores. The legerdemain with which the entire scandal has been entrenched into the system is so much shocking that it is spread-

ing its tentacles onto several people like an octopus. The courts and the CBI are bogged down in the probes of multitudes of scams and arresting high-flying people, while those enjoying the power are trying to pull the proverbial wool on the eyes of people, presenting a rosy picture. But the stock markets revealed the in-thing. When the closing bell was banged at the barometer sensex, the numbers spoke volumes of the carnage. The investors wealth that eroded in the whole of 2011 was pegged at Rs. 19,46,000 crore. TCS edged out Reliance Industries as the most-valued

company in the country in terms of market capitalisation. The benchmark BSE eroded by 5,054.17 points which translates to 24.64 per cent in the entire calendar year. The worst was in 2008 when the BSE nosedived by 10,600 points or 52.4 per cent in the mayhem caused by global recession. The sensex ended with a total investor wealth of Rs. 53, 48,644.80 crore. This was the lowest since 2008 and it barely managed to hold the slithering trillion-dollar mark. Rock oil indeed rocked the boat. The petroleum prices went up as many as six times in the year. After the first increase was

Dame Luck of 10 Janpath

Growling grocery bill

allari Kiran Kumar Reddy must be really delighted over the fruits he reaped in 2011. Dame Luck (of 10 Janpath) indeed smiled on him. He walked into the year with pride as the Chief Minister and in spite of several hurly-burlies retained his position. Loss of face in Kadapa by-election, a minister crossing the floor to the TRS, appointment of his colleague Botsa Satyanarayana as the APCC president, Shanker Rao’s daily tantrums, ‘sakala janula samme’, and no-confidence motion could not rattle

his position. He remained firmly in the saddle. Botsa too is a happy man today. Despite the ACB’s hullabaloo in the State-level liquor cartel cases, the astute APCC chief managed to hold three positions – Minister, APCC chief and member of the coordination committee, while three of his family – his wife, brother and a cousin – too enjoy ‘powerful’ positions. The year just bygone is lucky for Rosaiah, who was suddenly rendered jobless in 2010, as he was elevated to be the Governor of Tamil Nadu.

ood inflation fell to its sixyear low at 0.42 per cent for the week ended December 17. The wholesale price index measures the food inflation. While it was pegged at 1.81 per cent the previous week, it was 15.48 per cent in the corresponding month last year. Prices of onion and potato, according to the WPI, plummeted by 60 per cent and 30 per cent respectively. However, ironically for an upper middleclass salaried person, there is no let-up in the monthly grocery bill or the veg-

etables bill. With Reliance, More, Heritage, Spencer and other retail chains spreading all over, the access to provisions has increased. Yet, the street-corner provision store does flourish with a roaring business as usual. Then what’s all this food inflation and headline inflation. Once the price of anything goes up, it hardly scales down. If you are in the same job, does your salary come down? Normally, no. After the advent of new economy and software companies and multi-national making

used to reach the office — Secretariat. By 11.30 am, he would leave for the day after taking all major decisions. As a journalist in the first afternoon daily of the City, I feel we could have been the first to print every decision of the government that would have become stale by evening itself, leave alone the next morning. As a stalwart of one part of the media (the movie industry), NTR always understood the professional compulsions and requirements of journalists. True to his traits, even the Angel of Death smote him at 4 am. effected in January, a litre of petrol began costing Rs. 65.15 paise and the prices were enhanced five times and it peaked at Rs. 76.40 per litre. After the first-ever reduction, the price is now hovering at Rs. 73.07 paise a litre. The rupee fluctuation and spiralling costs per barrel of crude globally burnt holes in the pockets of common man. Is the Government robbing Peter to pay Paul? The profligacy of the UPA Government in doling out largesse appears to be unbeatable. The oil subsidy caused a hole of Rs. 1.20 lakh crore and the Food Security Bill, if rolled out, would cost another $ 7.5 billion burden.

inroads into the country, there has been talk of pay cuts, putting employees on the bench, etc, paralysing the family economies. Yet, the inflation indices never interspersed the earningexpenditure budgeting of a common man.

Comment

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Fair, free and forthright

Editorials RIDE SAFER INTO the new year dawn

oad safety and accidents have been in the news for the entire year, some owing to major campaigns by the police and the rest due to tragedies that befell the families of some well known Hyderabadis. One lesson that all these incidents have taught us that roads can’t be made safer by efforts from just one side. People need to follow traffic rules, maintain driving etiquette and adhere to safety measures. Lot of young promising lives have been snuffed out in their prime on our roads due to their aversion to wearing helmets. Doctors point out that many lives could have been saved or incapacitating head injury could have been avoided had the victims been wearing a helmet. Helmet is not an ornament that can be avoided without consequences — it is a life-saver. Let the dawn of New Year usher in an era of safe driving for you and happiness for your dear ones.

When the world ends on Dec. 21 Hard talk PK Surendran

The name Nostradamus inspires in us a sense of awe. We listen agape when we are told that many of the great events and wars were prophesied by the French man centuries ago. Rationalists rubbish prophesies, but they are a minority. All through last year, the world speculated and worried about the impending doom prophesied by the Mayan Calendar, which charts no date beyond December 21, 2012. This year too the internet will be awash with videos and blogs that warn us about doomsday. After all, forewarned is forearmed, innit?

an will be man always, the master of subterfuge among living creatures, and he can’t be expected to behave rationally even on December 21, 2012 when, according to some, the Mayan calendar predicts the end of the world. So, now the world is flooded with books from the ethnic variety to western productions. At least 10 Indian authors and four renowned writers of the West have brought out detailed sketches of the world closing its business on the appointed day. Each arrives in the wake of the 2006 success of 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl, which sold more than 40,000 copies. The books also build on popular interest in Maya, fuelled in part by Mel Gibson's December 2006 film Apocalpyto, about the Mayan civilisation, To the great relief of the rich, who have much to lose if the world says alvida, authors disagree about what exactly mankind should expect on December 21, 2012, when Maya's "Long Count" calendar marks the end of a 5,126-year era. Some argue astronomically what it means. Mankind would perish but many creatures will survive (I believe among the survivors will be ants, cockroaches, bacteria, mosquitoes and rats—the original inheritors of Earth). The build-up is similar to the excitement and fear that was seen at the eve of the new millennium, coded, Y2K. There are authors who say the Mayan calendar does not predict the end of the world but the end of an era. Scientists and Mathematicians argue 2012 phobia is probably born out of the fact that on the winter solstice in 2012, the sun will be aligned with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in about 26,000 years.

Lokpal turns jokepal

Shame on Dhoni

Our politicians have done it again. They have united across party lines to sabotage the Lokpal Bill that would interfere with their primary source of income — corruption. With Rajas and Kalmadis looting lakhs of crores and top ranking army officials being convicted and sacked, there is hardly any sector that can be considered clean. Scheming politicians have proven that they will not let the system be cleansed. We need an Indian Spring. Harshad Iqbal Miyapur

Mahendra Singh Dhoni must understand that his ‘frank’ admission of the failure does not excuse him and the team from the pathetic performance at Melbourne. The bowlers did a great job in restricting the Aussies. However, the batsmen, all with impressive personal records, failed to deliver when it mattered the most. He should ask the BCCI to give them bouncy tracks at home so that when they don’t crumble against quality opponents abroad. Saikumar Chandra Pattancheru

WHY WE LOVE... prophecies

But did the Mayans know about this celestial drama thousands of years ago? The most interesting scenario would be to watch how we behave on the D Day. First, why books predicting the end of the world are priced at all? One expects publishers to be charitable at least on Judgment Day. What will they do with money when the world is no longer there? Be that as it may, here is a short sketch of a possible scene India might see if the Mayans are right. ■ The rich and the influential will offer Nasa all they own to transport them to another planet. ■ The priesthood (the solid chunk of exploiters) will conduct prayers, homam and rituals claiming they can save the faithful in Noah’s Ark. ■ All those who have stashed away black money in foreign banks will offer much of it in charity with the hope of getting into the good books of the Almighty. ■ Those who believe life is a one-

TALK BACK Readers’ views We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222

time wonder will give vent to their pent-up sexual urges without a care. And, in this game, for once, the fairer sex will steal a march on the males who have all along been exploiting the women. ■ Many Jim Jones will lead many suckers to the grave ■ Despite the hopelessness, the television and the paparazzi will strive to capture the glimpse of the last act of man (don’t ask for whose sake) ■ The egotists among the rich will bury capsules of their family history with the hope of a hoary glory Who will be happy dying? The poorest and those who suffered great injustice. Not because they are happy dying (nobody is happy dying) but will die happy deriving a sadistic pleasure recalling the pain of the rich in parting with their wealth. A rational thought: We don’t need an external force to bring the world down; we have created enough environmental messes for that.

Ridiculous restrictions

Arrest doctor

Hyderabad police’s overzealous attempts have made it tough for the average Hyderabadi to have some fun outside. They have asked bars to close at 11 pm on December 31. Don’t they understand that real celebrations begin an hour later? Owing to their diktats restaurant owners are arranging drivers and accommodation for drunk patrons. AK Khan should understand that the city is not full of prudes and teetotalers. Don’t play party pooper. Sanjay Chandra Kukatpally

The tragic death of a family who had no means to defend their honour when accused of theft by a rich man should put the city to shame. The doctor’s shameless ploy to retain the driver who wanted to quit succeeded because the police also happily took part. Dr Sudhakar Prasad is a disgrace to medical profession. He should be barred from practicing and should be arrested for abetment of suicide. No one should be allowed to remain scot-free after such inhuman actions. Ratish Dave Kondapur

Turning pages

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Explore a world without borders

The Mumbai underworld has fascinated many Bollywood filmmakers. But while masters of crime such as Dawood Ibrahim, Chota Rajan, Chota Shakeel might have hogged the limelight, the real masterminds remain in the shadows. Hussain Zaidi brings them to light in his book Mafia Queens

Mumbai’s best kept secret injustice. These women are strong and independent. They are clever and cunning. It’s usually the men who go down in annals of criminal history as kings, but a closer look reveals a feminine presence behind every incident of consequence. Take for instance Jenabai Daaruwaali, infamous as daaruwaali because she made it big by selling liquor illegally. Like a philharmonic orchestra conductor, she was the brain and strength of the most dreaded dons in Mumbai — Karim Lala, Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim. Dawood

Fleme Varkey Fleme.v@postnoon.com

eading Hussain Zaidi’s and Jane Borges's Mafia Queens of Mumbai: Stories from the ganglands is like watching a movie. Filled with juicy, gritty details of the underworld, this book profiles the women who hid in the shadows and yet had a powerful impact on the Mumbai crime world. The authors have not glorified them; they merely tell us stories of 13 women who were pushed into the murky world of crime by poverty, or

Name: Mafia Queens of Mumbai: Stories from the ganglands Author: S Hussain Zaidi with Jane Borges Pages: 290 Publisher: Tranquebar

had great respect for her: he called her massi. Then comes Gangubai — the godmother of Kamathipura. Her descent and rise in the flesh trade is a very intriguing story. Then we also have women like Ashraf Khan. It was a burning desire for revenge that got Ashraf alias Sapna Didi into the world of crime. A femme fatale, as the authors rightly call her, she made it her life's sole aim to kill Dawood Ibrahim, and avenge her husband’s death. She foxed the don’s men to an extent, but her naivety got her killed in the most brutal of ways. Zaidi, a crime reporter, monitored the Mumbai mafia for almost two decades before penning his latest book. His first book based on the investigation of the 1993 Mumbai blasts was aptly titled Black Friday. Anurag Kashyap has also made a film with the same name. Mumbai is definitely Zaidi’s field of expertise. Some 285 pages of hardcore reporting and engaging commentary is what works for this book. The stories are not set in any backdrop but the bylanes and shanties of Nagpada, Dongri, Peddar Road, Byculla and Kamathipura. Like celebrities who try to dodge the prying photographers these queens of infamy also have their mechanisms of keeping the police at bay. One will realise the police often appears

incompetent and is the laughing stock of the crime world. From eunuch shields, to secret passages in the slums and sources in the higher echelons of the administration, you have it all. The duo must

Title: Lone Wolf Author: Jodi Picoult Publisher : Atria/Emily Bestler Book ISBN : 1439102740 one Wolf explores the notion of family, and the love, protection and strength it’s meant to offer. But what if the hope that should sustain it, is the very thing that pulls it apart? Another tour de force from Jodi Picoult, Lone Wolf examines the wild and lonely terrain upon which love battles reason. It’s the story of a life hanging in balance, a family torn and letting go.

Title: The Leopard Author: Jo Nesbo, Don Bartlett Publisher: Knopf ISBN : 0307595870 wo young women are found murdered in Oslo, both drowned in their own blood. Media coverage quickly reaches fever pitch: Could this be the work of a serial killer? The crime scenes offer no coherent clues, the police investigation is stalled, and the one man who might be able to help doesn’t want to be found. Traumatised by his last case, Inspector Harry Hole has lost himself in the squalor of Hong Kong’s opium dens. Yet when he is compelled, at last, to return to Norway, Harry’s buried instincts begin to take over.

be praised for this thrilling tour of Mumbai’s underworld. At the end of this rollercoaster ride you realise what Vishal Bharadwaj rightly says in the foreword, “Crime is juicier than spirituality.”

At your nearest bookstore... Title: 77 Shadow Street Author: Dean Koontz Publisher: Bantam ISBN : 0553807714 ean Koontz transcends all expectations as he takes readers on a gripping journey to a place where nightmares become real—and where a group of singular individuals hold the key to humanity’s destiny. Welcome to 77 Shadow Street. With each passing hour, a terrifying certainty grows: Whatever drove the Pendleton’s past occupants to their unspeakable fate is at work again. Soon, all those within its boundaries will be engulfed by a dark tide from which few have escaped.

Title: Believing the Lie Author: Elizabeth George Publisher: Dutton Adult ISBN: 0525952586 nspector Thomas Lynley is mystified when he's sent undercover to investigate the death of Ian Cresswell at the request of the man's uncle, the wealthy and influential Bernard Fairclough. The death has been ruled an accidental drowning, and nothing on the surface indicates otherwise. But when Lynley enlists the help of his friends Simon and Deborah St. James, the trio's digging soon reveals that the Fairclough clan is awash with secrets, lies, and motives.

Title: Lothaire Author: Kresley Cole Publisher: Gallery Books ISBN : 1439136823 riven by his insatiable need for revenge, Lothaire, the Lore’s most ruthless vampire, plots to seize the Horde’s crown. But bloodlust and torture have left him on the brink of madness— until he finds Elizabeth Peirce, the key to his victory. He captures the unique young mortal, intending to offer up her very soul in exchange for power, yet Elizabeth soothes his tormented mind and awakens within him emotions Lothaire believed he could no longer experience.

Body & Soul

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

DANCING one’s way to fitness Taniya Talukdar taniya.t@postnoon.com

his year fitness enthusiasts have given the traditional methods of keeping fit a pass and have chosen the fun and interesting way of staying fit. Heading to the gym has become passe with more and more people now opting to dance their way to fitness. Bengaluru-based fitness expert Wanitha Ashok gives us a roundup, “2011 had a variety of workouts to cater to the growing numbers of fitness buffs and enthusiasts and group classes continued to be the trend. Apart from aerobics other group classes were spinning, RPM, aqua aerobics, salsa, Bollywood dancing, body jam, power yoga, pilates, belly dancing, zumba etc. They gained popularity as they are music based and have set choreography. Jukari is yet another interesting workout using bands and was popular in certain cities only. TRX and Kettlebell training have just entered the fitness scene and will be seen next year too.” Zumba sure has taken the lead in 2011 and was a rage all over. Celebrity fitness expert Deanne Panday agrees, “In India, Zumba has caught on and crossfit training too has become popular. A lot more people were seen taking to yoga which I think in a way is good, considering the stressful lives we lead.” Deanne however is concerned that people are working out for the wrong reasons. She says, “Last year there was an emphasis on a lot of wrong things, people are working out too much and have become obsessed with their looks. What people need to understand is that they need to have a holistic approach, very few think that way, but I feel in another four to five years everyone will go organic. Instead, meditation should become an integral part of one’s life, and people should indulge in more outdoor activities. “ Every few months, some new trend comes up and people take to it and when they get bored, they get back to the basics. Citybased fitness professional Gavin Holt says, “The latest fad is of course Zumba. Every couple of months something comes up and people run for it, they feel that their nor-

mal workout routine gets monotonous and look for variety. People try everything only to get back to the basics. Some have tried things like the power yoga and hot yoga, and a host of new things and even a combination of everything, it’s interesting for sometime but then when it becomes a routine people get bored.” 2011 also saw a lot more people becoming fitness conscious. “I see that the reciprocation from customers is much more, they want to be fitter and look better. Earlier they used to take it easy, but now fit people want to maintain themselves and they motivate others in the gym. The unfit ones don’t shy away either,in fact they are even more motivated and mix with people who train hard,” shares Gavin. Wanitha agrees with Gavin and adds, “Yes, it has remarkably gone up as more and more people are getting aware of the importance of exercising and media I must say has played a very important role in this as these days they carry a lot of awareness and motivational articles. In general, people now use workout spaces to hang out and socialise too. Additionally some leading fitness clubs offer everything under one roof with an option of choosing different workout routines every day. This allows the client to beat boredom and sustain the workouts. Hence, the results are amazing. And people have realised that investing in good clubs and working out under certified trainers will not only give them results but also give them injury free workouts.” Wanitha also forecasts some fitness trends for 2012, she says, “Zumba, Aqua Aerobics and Power yoga will continue to rule the roost this year too as both are equally popular workout regimes due to the hype and the results. TRX and Kettlebell along

with PT express workouts will pave the way for this year. Pilates is here to stay, along with group classes like Less Mills and aerobics as they have always been popular.”

Every year we see new trends making their presence felt in the fitness industry and this year was no exception, with Zumba topping the charts

Decor

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Studio apartments are a great option for students and couples. They are also ideal for those intending to pursue a hobby. But furnishing this space can be quite a challenge, so interior designer Sireesha Lakshmi, gives us some of the best possible options for decorating your home!

MAKING YOUR

STUDIO BEAUTIFUL Shiba Minai shiba.m@postnoon.com

n the last few years, the studio apartment concept has captured the imaginations of the builders across India. It is ideal as a bachelor pad or a cozy little apartment for the newly married couple. It is a self-contained accommodation consisting of a living and sleeping area having the advantage of a kitchen and an attached bath and in some cases a balcony. The concept is all about saving space and still providing all the required necessities for the inhabitants to sustain a comfortable lifestyle. It’s essentially a hall with few (or no) temporary partitions, with an attached restroom. Therefore, they can be quite difficult to decorate. So we got Sireesha N Lakshmi, noted interior designer and lecturer at Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University to give us some tips for decorating a studio apartment.

nProvide enough storage: Try to find furnishings for your apartment that can be doubled up. You can even find chairs and ottomans that have storage space contained within them. They are ideal to store blankets, pillows and

other items. Buy wicker baskets or old steamer trunks to store out-of-season clothing, linens and towels. They will look great and contain all of those small items which usually make a room look cluttered.

nUse mirrors to reflect light: A large mirror or several small mirrors placed strategically can make a small place seem roomier. If you refer a modern style of decor, then furniture and tables with metal or glass can visually expand the space.

nDon’t block the light: Covering every window with blinds or drapes can make a small room feel dark and crowded. Leave windows bare. Or cover them with sheer drapes to let the light stream through. Light always makes a cramped space seem bigger. nTry to create areas for specific activities: Put a bed and dresser in one area and the sofa and coffee table in another. Having your apartment furnishings scattered haphazardly can make it look uninviting. You might have to leave out the bed and use a sleeper sofa if your apartment is really small. Another trick to cover up the lack of space is to buy furniture with legs that are higher off of the floor. Furniture that is bulky and stuck to the floor makes a room appear more crowded. nPaint with lighter colours You don’t have to use white, but using lighter colours gives you a sense of extended space as opposed to dark colours.

When the ball dropped

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

FIREWORKS EXPLODE NEAR MALAYSIA’S LANDMARK PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

World rings in From New York to Hong Kong, people from across the world rang out 2011 and brought in 2012 with pomp and cheer. From these pictures it looks as though the year’s going to be a good one

PUERTA DEL SOL, MADRID

TAIPEI 101 SKYSCRAPER

TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK PICS: AFP

When the ball dropped

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

TROCADERO SQUARE IN FRONT OF THE EIFFEL TOWER IN PARIS

2012 in style FIREWORKS ILLUMINATE ABIDJAN

PLEBISCITO SQUARE, NAPLES

VICTORIA HARBOUR, HONG KONG

FIREWORKS LIGHT UP BIG BEN IN CENTRAL LONDON

Animal Kingdom

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

PET FINDER W

hen it comes to emotional support, nothing compares to the support you get from a pet. Adopt a pet and give it as much love and care as you can. Adoption is the loving option. Consider adopting from the Blue Cross before buying an animal from the pet store. Contact: 32989858, 23544355; Website:www.bluecrosshyd.in Email: bluecrosshyd@gmail.com

Home away from home Be it boarding, grooming or training, Commando Kennels, a 20-yearold organisation, with its state-of-the art facilities is your best bet Sana Mirza sana.m@postnoon.com

C BEN

ommando Kennels was founded over 20 years ago in the year 1986 by MP Butt. It was essentially a dog training and breeding kennel specialising in providing training dogs for industries. "One of the major reasons behind setting up Commando Kennels was to keep incidents like thefts, intrusions, pilferage etc, in check and it feels like a tribute to us as these incidents have drastically reduced as soon as our squads were deployed," says Butt, going on to add that about 100 dogs undergo training in various aspects on any given day. After stabilising the security section, the founder decided to float a separate wing to concentrate on breeding, boarding and training. Thus was formed, Commando Canine Care. "At Commando Kennels, we believe in upgrading our services and infrastructure. Our much admired boarding facility has now been upgraded to have state-ofthe-art climate controlled areas and a pick up facility for those who wish to board their dogs while they are away on holiday,” informs the kennel’s current CEO, Philip Butt.

The kennel also provides various facilities like boarding, grooming, regular exercising and veterinary care. “Dog matrimony is also one of the services that we provide at Commando Kennels. Among home owned dogs, the number of males in most breeds vastly outnumber the number of females. As such it is not possible to find a mate for every dog. However, if you are looking for one, I'd say that the health of the partner is of utmost importance,” opines Philip. Commando Kennels is a working dogs kennels and not a show kennel. “The dogs we train and use in our various operations are the dogs we breed. As a result our pups are "true" to their breed not only in type and

substance, but also (and more importantly) display the temperament of their breed,” says Philip. Commando kennels was one of the first kennels to offer microchipped puppies in India as early back as 2003. “Commando pups are scientifically bred using latest breeding techniques and procedures. We ensure that the pups are kept in socialised environment so that they are confident. All our pups are microchipped/tattooed to ensure that they can be identified even when they are old,” informs Philip. Commando kennels has qualified dog trainers using the latest and humane training techniques. “It is very important that the trainer be a qualified professional who knows what he is doing. Just being with dogs for many years doesn't make anyone a trainer. An owner on the other hand does not need training as such, but he needs to be aware of the needs of his individual pet and ways to meet them,” says Philip. Commando Kennels is a one-ofa kind facility located on a lush three acre farm on the outskirts of Secunderabad. If you have a dog, then Commando Kennels are your definite option.

TYKE

JOKE

JIMMY

A blind rabbit and a blind snake meet each other. Neither one remembers what kind of animal they are, so they decide to feel each other. The rabbit says, “You feel me first.” The snake says okay, and he starts feeling the rabbit. He says, “Well, you have fur all over, and a little cotton tail, and two long ears, and big back feet…” The rabbit says, “I know! I’m a rabbit! Yippee!” Then the rabbit feels the snake. He says, “Okay, you’re long and thin, and slimy all over, and there’s a little forked tongue…” The snake says, “Oh no, I’m a lawyer.”

INTERESTING FACTS In Egyptian hieroglyphics, a flamingo was the symbol for red. n Giant tortoises can weigh over 500 lbs. This makes some tortoises strong enough for humans to ride on their backs. n Some people believe that seeing a white peacock will bring eternal happiness. n As with humans, old otters have white whiskers. n Ostrich feathers are highly prized for removing cobwebs. n

Everyone can help preserve the world’s amazing, irreplaceable endangered species. One should time and again educate oneself about the dangers facing them, volunteer at conservation organisations and write to local officials highlighting issues facing conservation of animals

Magic Screen

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

A YEAR OF SEQUELS

Taniya Talukdar

taniya.t@postnoon.com

ast year saw quite a few surprises, while Shah Rukh Khan's illustrious project Ra.One failed

to impress industrywallahs, Vidya Balan's raunchy act in The Dirty Picture went on to make it a top grosser. Next year there are quite a few films that have raised the curiosity levels.

1. Agneepath

ijay Deenanath Chauhan will grace the screen again but this time it will not be Big B but Hrithik Roshan who will be essaying the role. Karan Johar is producing the film and newbie director Karan Malhotra will be helming this remake. Going by the buzz it has created, we just need to wait and watch what both the Karans have in store for us. And while at that, don't miss Katrina Kaif sizzling as Chikni Chameli and Sanjay Dutt's larger than life villainous character.

2. Heroine

6. Shanghai

Movie buffs are in for a grand treat with the number of films releasing this year. We take a look at the most anticipated movies set for the screens Also waiting in the wings are: 1. Kya Super Kool Hai Hum 2. Ghayal Returns

he makers of Heroine were left in the cold when Aishwarya Rai Bachchan announced her pregnancy. While producers UTV and director Madhur Bhandarkar contemplated shelving the project, out came Kareena Kapoor as a saviour. Based on the film industry, this is one film that has everyone's attention.

3. Thanedar Returns 4. Ek Deewana Tha

fter having directed laugh riots like Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! and Khosla Ka Ghosla, Dibakar Banerjee is on an all time high. Shanghai is his next offering. In fact, with it being a political thriller, the stakes of it being a hit are even higher. We all know of Dibakar's directorial and storytelling abilities and with Abhay Deol playing one of the leads, the film cannot be anything but a success.

7. Agent Vinod

his baby is Chote Nawab Saif Ali Khanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home production. It has been in the news for quite sometime now and has experienced a lot of roadblocks. Finally February will see the film hit the theatres. While Kareena will have Heroine, Saif will have Agent Vinod to look forward to.

5. Bol Bachchan

8. Once Upon A Time Again

6. Dabangg 2 7. Talaash

ilan Luthria delivered not only a hit but a great film with Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. He followed that up with the latest blockbuster The Dirty Picture. So, it is only but normal to have raised the audienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expectations. The sequel to OUTIM will have Shahid Kapur and Akshay Kumar. It only remains to be seen if it will deliver.

8. Khiladi 786 9. Jannat 2 10. Raaz 3 11. Race 2 12. Tezz

3. Ek Tha Tiger

5. Barfee

et to release in Eid 2012, Ek Tha Tiger has Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in the lead. Produced by Yashraj Films and directed by Kabir Khan, this film has raised quite a few eyebrows not to mention expectations. With the former lovers acting opposite each other, we can surely expect some crackling chemistry.

9. Student of The Year

hen Karan Johar directs a film we all know that it will be a sure shot hit. Karan has once again donned the director's hat for Student of The Year which will have a couple of newbies making their debut. Alia Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt's daughter and Varun Dhawan, David Dhawan's son will be making their debut. We will have to wait and watch if these director dads have tutored their wards well.

4. Dhoom 3

ny Aamir Khan movie is always an anticipated one because we all know that the perfectionist only does movies that are worth talking about. And especially if he is playing villain in a hit franchise, the expectations are even higher. To be released in December 2012, speculations regarding the cast kept the movie in the news for most of last year.

ell, we all know who the new rockstar of Bollywood is and when he is playing a deaf and dumb man in a film, we all are curious to see how he fares. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we are referring to Ranbir Kapoor and his next film Barfee being directed by Anuraag Basu. The film also has Priyanka Chopra and Ileana in the lead and if reports are something to go by, there has been a lot exchange of cold vibes between the two leading ladies.

10. Chashme Buddoor

irected by David Dhawan, this will be a remake of the old Chashme Buddoor which had Farooq Sheikh and Deepti Naval playing lead roles. The remake is going to have a host of actors, including veteran actor Anupam Kher in a triple role. The film will also star Pakistani singer and actor Ali Zafar in an important role.

Magic Screen

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Magic Screen

D I S P L A YA

D S RATE ` 150 sq. cm

For Further Details Please Contact Abhinay 9989399972 Nandlal 9951467988 Ravi Chander 8106039919

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Magic Screen

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Will Young: ‘I’ll be a strict father’ W

ill Young has predicted that he will become “a strict dad”. The Jealousy singer admitted that he struggles to cope when children start “screaming” in his presence. “I hate noisy kids. I’d be quite a strict dad I think,” he told Bang Showbiz. “If we were noisy we were told to shut up. “I love kids, don’t love screaming kids. If my nephew and niece start screaming, it’s bad. Their screams go straight through you.” The 32-year-old added that he is hoping to start a family within the next decade and has already been ‘practising’ parenthood by getting a pet. “I do still want kids — I think when I’m in my 40s,” he said. “At the moment, having the puppy is good practice.”

Dr. McSteamy is a McDaddy once again!

rey’s Anatomy doc Eric Dane’s wife Rebecca Gayheart has given birth to the couple’s second daughter. A rep for the proud parents confirmed to E! News that “Rebecca Gayheart and husband Eric Dane welcomed Georgia Geraldine Dane on December 28th, just in time for the New Year! Both mom and baby girl

are happy and healthy, Billie is thrilled to be a big sister, and dad is getting ready to live in a house full of ladies!” Eric and Rebecca will definitely have their hands full now, since they’re already in full-on baby mode with 10-month-old daughter No. 1, Billie Beatrice. Not to worry, though, dutifully daddy Eric definitely seems up for the gig!

In any case, little GG is a much more welcome arrival for the couple than the surprise they had earlier this month when a huge eucalyptus tree crashed through the wall of their Beverly Hills home. We’re glad everyone dodged that potential disaster, and congratulations to the whole family on the new arrival.

Magic Screen

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Avengers

f you are a comic book fan or love superheroes, nothing gets bigger or better than Avengers. Marvel heroes like Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow and Hawk Eye team up to save the world from destruction. Directed by Joss Whedon, the film stars Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans,Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L Jackson in lead roles. Fasten your seatbelts for a thrilling ride filled with spectacular special effects and superpowers this May.

f there's one director who can do justice to the adaptation of a literary classic, it's Peter Jackson. So those who have been dejected by the lack of anything to look forward to in the fantasy fiction genre can now rejoice. Prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Hobbit sees the return of Bilbo Baggins. The movie releases worldwide on 14th December giving it a week's run if the Mayan Calendar is any true.

The Amazing Spiderman

return to the beginning, this reboot will focus on the teenage Peter Parker grappling with human problems and amazing superhuman crises. Only Tobey Maguire role as Spidey will be played by Andrew Garfield of The Social Network fame. Fans of the franchise will have to wait and watch to see how will just have to go to the movie theatre â&#x20AC;&#x201D;or at least read some reviews and wait to see how this July release pans out.

Dark Knight Rises

our years after the original, Christian Bale reprises his role as the Batman in Dark Knight Rises, sadly for the last time. Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway replaces Katie Holmes as the leading lady in the form of Catwoman. If the recently released trailers are any indication, the new movie might just be the top grossing movie of the year. Shot on IMAX with an estimated budget of $250,000,000, Nolan's latest hits the screens in July.

Prometheus

hen you have a movie coming from Riddley Scott and has a cast that includes the likes of Charlize Theron and Patrick Wilson, you are bound to take notice. Especially, if the movie happens to be shot in 3D and set in outer space and involves the future of the human race.

LOOKING AHEAD

2012 has some brilliant releases lined up. We take a look at some of the most eagerly anticipated movies

Django Unchained

Hunger Games

The Bourne Legacy:

o movie of Quentin Tarantino's can ever lay low. Especially since no one can get an incredible cast to deliver oscar-winning performances quite like him. Django, for instance, features Jamie Foxx, Samuel L Jackson, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Kurt Russel, Kerry Washington and finally, Leonardo DiCaprio playing a villainous slave owner!

n adaptation of the Suzanne Collins novel The Hunger Games, due to release in March 2012, is already making a buzz on the web. Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, the story is set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the 12 districts to fight to the death on live television.

stand alone project removed from the original story line, Legacy directed by Tony Gilroy will be based not on Jason Bourne (essayed by Matt Damon in the previous editions) but will instead focus on Aaron Cross played by Jeremy Renner, who is another assassin trained in the same program as Bourne. Rachel Weiz is a surprise addition to the cast. The movie releases world-wide this August.

Skyfall

o, after Quantum of Solace, Bond is really not your favourite just now. But hold on. What if we told you that this is coming from the maker of Revolutionary Road and Road to Perdition, that's right people. Sam Mendes is back and so is Daniel Craig this time to track down and destroy the threat facing MI 6. The movie will be a November release.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II

ans of the teen-drama series cannot get enough of the Twilight franchise. But after four successful editions, the last and final edition of the Robert Pattinson-Kirsten Stewart starrer will finally draw to a close. Directed by Bill Condon, Breaking Dawn Part II is set to hit the screens in November.

Magic Screen

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Gabbar Singh Pawan Kalyan, Shruti Haasan star in this remake of Salman Khan’s Dabangg. Directed by Harish Shankar, the film is making quite a lot of waves already thanks to the director’s claim that the actor’s energy reminds him of Pawan Kalyan in Thammudu and Khushi. The film will release in the last week of April.

Most Awaited films of 2012

2012 promises to be a dazzling year for the Telugu film industry with plenty of choices for the movie buffs. Here’s a list of films which you can’t afford to miss

The Business Man After delivering a smash hit Pokiri, Mahesh Babu and Puri Jagannadh teamed up after five years for a new film, The Business Man which has all the makings of a blockbuster. This time Mahesh Babu has Kajal for company in this action drama set in Mumbai. The film hits the screens on January 11.

Hemanth Kumar hemanth.k@postnoon.com

Eega

Autonagar Surya

You can trust SS Rajamouli to capture audience’s attention every time he announces a film. Eega is an ambitious film which narrates the story of how a fly avenges its death in a previous birth. It’s expected to be yet another visually stunning film from the director who made Magadheera. Eega is going to release in late March, 2012.

Yevadu

After directing Brindavanam, Vamshi Paidipally is teaming up with Ram Charan Tej for a film titled Yevadu. Allu Arjun is playing a special role in this film. Yevadu goes on the floors in late January and it is expected to hit the screens by the end of the year.

Deva Katta, who directed Prasthanam, is back with another action drama Autonagar Surya which has Naga Chaitanya and Samantha in lead roles. The film is set in the backdrop of the automobile industry and boasts of a powerful story about an angry young man who stands up for a cause. We will have to wait and see what Deva Katta and Naga Chaitanya have in store for us this time.

Damarukam This Nagarjuna, Anushka starrer is going to be a visual spectacle with as much as 50 minutes of special effects.Touted to be the most expensive film in Nagarjuna’s career, the film boasts of massive sets and high production values. Damarukam is expected to release in April.

Seetamma Vaakitlo Rachcha Sirimalle Chettu Ram Charan Tej has high hopes on his upcoming film Rachcha which promises to be an action entertainer. Directed by Sampath Nandi, the film has Ram Charan Tej, Tamannaah and Ajmal in lead roles. The film is expected to release in March 2012.

Two of the biggest stars in Telugu cinema, Venkatesh and Mahesh Babu are going to come together for the first time for this family drama to be directed by Srikanth Addala. Samantha and Amala Paul are going to play lead roles in this first big multi-starrer in more than a decade. The film goes on the floors in mid January and might hit the screens in the second half of the year.

Dammu Tarak and Boyapati Srinu team up for the first time for this action film which also stars Trisha and Karthika. After Brindavanam, Shakti and Oosaravelli, Dammu gives Tarak ample scope to enthrall his fans with loads of action. Dammu is going to hit the screens in early summer.

Trivikram-Allu Arjun’s film This untitled film brings together ace director Trivikram Srinivas and Allu Arjun for the first time and the buzz is that both of them have been taking a lot of care to make sure that the film doesn’t disappoint anyone. Ileana is playing the lead role in the film which is going to release in summer.

Chai Time 1300 Movie - Ghatikudu 1530 Movie 1900 Movie - Magadheera 2330 Comedy Junction 0800 Ayurvedam 0900 Challenge 1100 CID 1200 Maa Voori Vanta

‘Magadheera’ at 1900 Hrs on MAA TV

1230 Movie - Prema Kavali 1530 Movie - Golimar 1800 Movie - Veera 2130 Celebrity Cricket League 2300 Prince - Puri Rapid Fire 0800 Gemini Talkies 0830 Movie - Maa Vidakulu 1130 Aha Emi Ruchi 1200 Comedy Kick

‘Veera’ at 1800 Hrs on GEMINI TV

1400 [V] New Year's Special 1500 [V] Spot 1530 [V] Trailers 1555 [V] Fresh Songs 1600 [V] New Year's Special 1700 [V] Humse Hai Life 1900 [V] Steal Ur Girlfriend 2000 [V] New Year's Special 2100 Love 2 Hate U 2155 [V] Fresh Songs 2200 [V] Trailers 2230 [V] Behind The Sins 2300 [V] Steal Ur Girlfriend 2355 [V] Fresh Songs 0700 [V] Trailers 0730 [V] Zabardast Hits 0800 [V] Mind Blasting Mornings 1100 [V] Fresh Songs 1200 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1230 [V] Humse Hai Life 1300 [V] New Year's Special

‘[V] Steal Ur Girlfriend’ at 1900 Hrs on CHANNEL [V]

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Telly sitcoms, news and movie listings

1300 Movie - Edurinti Mogudu Pakkinti Pellam 1600 Movie - The Host 1800 Movie - Suryavamsam 2100 Etv News 2130 Paripoorna Mahila 2230 Movie - Gharshana 0800 Jeevanajyothi

1400 India's Minute To Win It 1800 Criss Angel Mindfreak 1930 Movie - The Tuxedo 2200 Falling Skies 0700 Infomercial/30 Min 0730 Sky Teleshopping 0830 Infomercial/30 Min 0900 Sky Teleshopping 0930 Criss Angel Mindfreak 0955 Infomercial/5 Min 1000 Criss Angel Mindfreak 1025 Infomercial/5 Min 1030 Falling Skies 1220 Live To Dance 1315 Minute To Win It

‘Suryavamsam’ at 1800 Hrs on ETV

1300 Movie - Siddhu From Srikakulam 1730 Luckku Kickku 1800 Comedy Club 1900 Movie - Nagavalli 2230 Luckku Kickku 2330 Latest Songs 0800 Gopuram 0900 Sri Raghavendra Vybhavam 1000 Bindass

‘The Tuxedo’ at 1930 Hrs on AXN

‘Jab We Met’ at 1630 Hrs on IMAGINE 1330 Nach Le Ve With Saroj Khan - Grand Finale 1600 Beendh Banunga Ghodi Chadhunga 1630 Movie - Jab We Met 2000 Nach Le Ve With Saroj Khan - Grand Finale 2230 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto 2300 Gajab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaaniyaan 0800 Haar Jeet 0830 Dwarkadheesh - Bhagwan Shri Krishn 0900 Box Office India 0930 Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo 1000 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto

1230 Movie - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 1500 Movie - Dabangg 1800 Global Indian Music Awards 2011 2200 Bigg Boss - Undekha Action 2300 Bigg Boss - Aapka Farmaan 0800 Veer Shivaji 0830 Sasural Simar Ka 0900 Parichay - Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Ka 0930 Bigg Boss 1000 Hawan 1030 Uttaran 1100 Balika Vadhu - Kacchi Umar Ke Pakke Rishte 1130 Phulwa

‘Dabangg’ at 1500 Hrs on COLORS

‘Chandramukhi’ at 1500 Hrs on ZEE TV 1130 Dance India Dance 1500 Movie - Chandramukhi 1900 Apka Sapna Hamara Apna 1930 Shobha Somnath Ki 2030 Dance India Dance 2200 Dance India Dance Limelight 2330 Jalsa - Music For Soul 0900 Bhagonwali 0930 Afsar Bitiya 1000 Choti Bahu 2 1030 Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 1100 Ram Milaye Jodi 1130 Hitler Didi 1200 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 1230 Afsar Bitiya 1300 Choti Bahu 2

1200 Movie - 3 Idiots 1530 CID 2000 Comedy Circus Welcome 2012 0700 Telebrands 0730 Sky Star Advertising 0900 Adaalat 1000 Crime Patrol - 1 1200 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1245 Dekha Ek Khwaab 1330 Parvarrish - Kuchh Khatti Kuchh Meethi

‘Ragada’ at 1600 Hrs on STAR PLUS

‘3 Idiots’ at 1200 Hrs on SONY

1300 Movie - Wanted 1600 Movie - Ragada 1830 Star Event - Big Star Entertainment Awards 2100 Master Chef India - Finale Part 2 2300 Survivor India - Pehli Jhalak 0800 Superstar Preview 0830 Ruk Jana Nahin 0900 Survivor India - Pehli Jhalak 1000 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 1030 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 1100 Mann Ki Awaaz… Pratigya

MOVIES OF THE DAY AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

‘Nagavalli’ at 1900 Hrs on ZEE TELUGU

‘Et Insight’ at 2100 Hrs only on ET NOW 1400 Bollywood This Week 1430 Et Insight 1500 The Market Makers 1530 Tee Time With Shaili Chopra 1600 Technoholik 1630 Your Trades 1700 Zigwheels 1730 Market Summit 2011 1830 The Market Makers 1900 Investor's Guide 1930 Starting Up 2000 Zigwheels 2030 Talking Technicals 2100 Et Insight 2130 Your Trades 2200 Tee Time With Shaili Chopra 2230 Brand Equity 2300 The Market Makers 0900 First Trades 1000 Hot Stocks 1100 Buy Now Sell Now - The Stock Game 1130 Buy Now Sell Now 1200 Market Sense 1300 Business Day 1330 Markets Now

1300 Movie 1500 Big Wheels 1530 Galileo Extreme 1600 How To Be A Gentleman 1630 Aspire 1700 Survivor 1800 The Defenders 1900 Lucha Libre 2000 Movie 2200 Aspire 2230 The Defenders 2330 Big Wheels 0800 Galileo Extreme 0900 Survivor

‘Aa Gale Lag Ja’ at 2000 Hrs on SAB TV

‘H T B A G’ at 1600 Hrs only on BIG CBS PRIME

1400 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1530 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 1730 F.I.R. 2000 Movie - Aa Gale Lag Ja 2300 F.I.R. 0800 Teleshopping 0900 Chidiya Ghar 1030 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 1130 Gutur Gu

1315 Swordfish 1515 The Matrix 1755 Harry Potter And The HalfBlood Prince 2100 Ocean's Eleven 2320 Ocean's Twelve 0800 The Avengers 0945 The Island 1220 The Matrix

1330 Inception 1640 Paranormal Activity 2 1845 A Cinderella Story 2100 Little Fockers 2315 Tomorrow Never Dies 0810 Free Willy 2 - The Adventure Home 1015 A Cinderella Story 1220 Little Fockers

Comedy Circus Idea Jalsa Welcome 2012 Storyline - First time ever 3 Storyline - The special New Year episode will be packed with sizzling performances from ‘Chaamak Chhalo’ Rakhi Sawant and various actors from TV fraternity. ‘Comedy Circus Welcome 2012’ at 2000 Hrs on SONY

foreign Artist to light up the first day of 2012- Takahiro from Japan, Saskia Rao – De Haas from Netherlands and Stephanie Bosch from Germany, performing Hindustani Instrumental with the Santoor, viola and flute. ‘Little Fockers’ at 2100 Hrs on HBO ‘Idea Jalsa’ at 2330 Hrs on ZEE TV

1400 Man Vs Wild 1600 Swords 1700 Discovery Showcase 1800 Wild Discovery 1900 Speed At Its Best 2000 Super Sunday Nights 2100 Man Vs Wild 2200 Gold Rush Alaska 2300 Curiosity 1000 Rampage 1100 How Do They Do It? 1130 Feast India 1200 Gold Rush Alaska 1300 Wild Discovery

1400 The Billboard Music Awards 2011 1700 Scrubs 1800 Parenthood 2000 The Big Bang Theory 2100 Private Practice 2200 Scrubs 0800 Criss Angel - Mindreak 0900 Parenthood 1000 Scrubs 1030 America's Funniest Home Videos 1100 Criss Angel - Mindreak 1200 Parenthood 1300 Slot 1330 America's Funniest Home Videos

‘Don’ at 1400 Hrs on ZOOM ‘Love2 Hate U’ at 2100 Hrs on STAR WORLD

‘Private Practice’ at 2100 Hrs on ZEE CAFE

1430 Discovery Science Classics 1530 Bone Detectives 1630 Download - The True Story Of The Internet 1730 G. I. Factory 1830 Best Of Discovery Science 1930 Investigation X 2030 Treasure Quest 2130 How It´s Made 2200 New Inventors 2230 Weaponology 2330 The New Inventors 1030 Discovery Science Presents 1230 Best Of Discovery Science 1330 Investigation X

1200 Friends 1600 The Big Bang Theory 2000 Achievers' Club 2100 Love2 Hate U 2200 Combat Hospital 2300 Dexter 0700 Glee 0800 Las Vegas 0900 Survivor India 1000 The Shield 1100 Love2 Hate U 1200 Two And A Half Men 1230 The Simpsons 1300 The Big Bang Theory 1330 Friends

‘Man Vs Wild’ at 2100 Hrs on DISCOVERY CHANNEL

1400 Movie - Don 1730 Letz Go! 1900 Planet Bollywood News 1930 Business Of Bollywood 2000 Bollywood Big Story 2030 Love Dobara 2100 Just For Love 2300 Bollywood Bonanza 0700 Fresh Mornings 0800 Red Carpet 0805 Fresh Mornings 0900 Zoom Barabar Jhoom Top 20 1000 Fresh Mornings 1100 Zoom Box 1200 Garma Garam 1300 Planet Bollywood News 1330 Business Of Bollywood

‘Treasure Quest’ at 2030 Hrs on DISCOVERY SCIENCE

‘The Foodie’ at 1830 Hrs only on TIMES NOW 1400 News Now 1430 Year Of Champions 1500 News Now 1530 Fond Farewells 2011 1600 News Now 1630 Times Drive 1700 News Now 1730 Victory 1800 News Now 1830 Heroes 2011 1900 Best Of Newshour Debates 2000 Total Recall 2100 9 PM 2130 Thunder Down Under With Legends 2200 Thunder Down Under Boxing Day 2300 News Now Overnight 2330 Fond Farewells 2011 0700 News Now 0800 The Morning Show 0900 News Now 1200 Live Report

Chai Time

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa

SUNDAY CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Girl from Baja 6 Porcelain vase 10 French clergymen 15 "- Davis Eyes" 20 Twin Cities suburb 21 Party handout 22 Value greatly 23 Nebraska hub 24 Blow away 25 Jung's inner self 26 San Diego pro 27 Bushy-tailed animals 28 Optimizes 30 Early (3 wds.) 32 Warbles 33 Tropical swayers 35 Brand of speakers 36 Ruby and garnet 39 Crumpet companion 40 Really big tees 41 Marshy tract 42 Hero sandwiches 46 Motorist no. 47 Ink's partner 48 Draw together 51 Godzilla foe 53 Fleshy mushroom 54 Captivate 56 Robin Cook novel 57 Follows the recipe 59 Certain wolf 61 Festive occasions 62 Dine at home (2 wds.) 63 Pleasingly pretty 64 Gypsy language 65 Dismay 67 "Fancy" singer 68 NASA counterpart 69 Port near Kyoto 72 Uh-uh 73 Solidarity 76 Hibernated 80 Lion's quarry 81 Extinct bird 82 Here, in Le Havre 83 911 staffers 85 Misfortune 86 Rummage sale 88 Fan spreader 92 Sine - non 93 Natural elevs. 94 Ms. Thurman of "Gattaca" 95 Dancer Verdon 96 Recliner 99 Czech composer 102 In fine fettle 103 Japanese American 104 Sailing vessel 108 Volcanic flows 109 Topsy-turvy 110 Part of IBM 111 Seance holder 112 Dot in the Seine 113 Deadly snake of South Asia 115 Go on the lam 116 Bankroll 117 Want-ad abbr. 118 Peddle 120 Lubricate 121 Apply makeup 123 Feel under par 124 Bookie's figures 125 Footnote abbr. (2 wds.) 127 Pope's council

129 Movie rentals of yore 131 Big hits (2 wds.) 135 Narrow escapes (2 wds.) 140 Sandwich cookies 141 "- - of Two Cities" 142 Makes turbid 143 Loose-limbed 144 Pony's comment 145 Bridge expert 146 Fjord 147 Antique 148 Comedian Youngman 149 Bag 150 Joey and Kiki 151 "Please take - -!" DOWN 1 Average grades 2 Lyricist Lorenz 3 Mad scientist's aide 4 Officers-to-be 5 Poet's adverb 6 Heavy yellow paper 7 Columnist Molly 8 Icy burg 9 Take hold of 10 Horrify 11 "Lullaby" composer 12 Waits 13 Poet Pound 14 Garden plots

15 Broadway successes 16 Waxes melodramatic 17 Urban cruiser 18 Other people 19 Cut some slack 21 Like some arches 29 Carpentry joint 31 Dame - Chaplin 34 Lumberjack tool 36 Gumbel or LeMond 37 Vulcan's forge 38 Ground corn 41 Fairway shout 43 NCAA Bruins 44 I've - had! 45 Nimble 47 Swanky 48 Aka Viaud 49 PABA part 50 Little Engine verb 51 Moreno et al. 52 Large slipknots 55 Clublike weapon 56 Drive-in employee 57 Like some routes 58 Toothpaste buy 60 Crimebuster (hyph.) 62 Hoople expletive 64 Kind of sale (2 wds.) 66 Parka 67 Spy mission

69 Frequent 007 foe 70 - - roll 71 Sawyer of the comics 74 Politely 75 Film follow-up 77 RCMP patrol zone 78 Geological period 79 - Plaines, Ill. 81 Fragrant rose 84 Tax-free govt. bond 87 Mystique 89 Discharge 90 Leather punches 91 Actor Kevin 93 Equine star (2 wds.) 97 Prefix for bone 98 Barely scraped by 99 554, in old Rome 100 Dell 101 Home appliance 102 Writer Simone 103 Less than one 105 Going into overtime 106 Signaled 107 Med. plans 109 Letter carriers 111 Rams and steers 114 Jungle warning 115 "Most Wanted" org. 116 Roomiest

119 Disarm a bull 121 Less shiny 122 Gentleman thief Lupin 123 Supermarket lanes 124 Inedible oranges 126 Easily irked 127 First name in nursing 128 Bitterly pungent 129 Curtain fabric 130 Scarlett of Tara

131 Mild oath 132 Sarah - Jewett 133 Unskilled worker 134 Like - - of bricks 136 Unfrequented 137 Repulsive 138 Lamb's alias 139 Certain offshoot

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

Chai Time STAR POWER

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Your tomorrow today̶Star Power and Tarot

Date 2-1-2012

THIRUVAIKUMAR

As per Hindu panchang

thiruvaikumar@yahoo.co.in 040-27177230 / 9949870449

TAURUS

GEMINI

Your suggestions will be accepted by all. Good work done in the past will yield rich dividend. Your helping ten‑ dency and magnitude of the helps earn good appreciation.

A favourable news is on the cards.You will enjoy worldly pleasures as the time is ripe. Financial position looks better. You will decide about your future course of actions.

Chances of surprise money gain from unexpected source. Employees will complete their works with full involve‑ ment and in time. They will earn good appreciation too.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Religious thoughts will occupy your mind. It is good to feed the poor today. Be cordial with blood relatives. Give respect to your intuitions, that will help.

Problems in receiving ancestral party will disappear and it might land in your hand. Avoid taking any important and major decisions today. You might feel mentally upset, but be patient.

Businessmen need to review the status of business and contributions made by partners.Take appropriate decisions to improve the situation so that the busi‑ ness will grow.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Avoid dispute with anyone and stay away from bad elements. Be careful while driving as well at work place as there are chances to get hurt. Enemies may try to defame you , be alert.

Consider new projects , major deci‑ sions and fresh investments with prop‑ er analysis. Hurrying up in such issues might land you in trouble. If carefully done you will get the best results.

Be alert as your enemies are out to defame you with rumours. You might be tense and mentally upset. You have to face them with a strong willpower and keep out of such situations.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Extend your help to blood relatives. Employees and govt offcials can expect a promotion and pay hike. Romantic pair will be very happy today.

Women will feel happy to receive an unexpected ﬁnancial gain. Daughter's marriage might get settled and son will get a career opening. Be careful while using debit or credit cards.

Employees will be very happy as favourable transfers and promotions are likely. Avoid disputes and misun‑ derstanding with anyone. Those trying to go abroad will succeed.

SUMAA TEKUR

tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Ace of Swords – Take your time in making decisions. You may want to spend more time planning and less in the execution because well‑laid plans matter.

Strength – Donʼt bend to rules made by others if does not sound justiﬁed to you. Donʼt give in to blackmail and emo‑ tional pressures and make decisions.

Four of Wands – You need to speak up and make your voice he‑ ard. You may be coming across as someone who is more malleable but maybe youʼre not.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Queen of Pentacles – Do your research well and conduct enough checks that satisfy you of plans so that you can make important decisions with clarity.

Six of Cups – Someone from your childhood is getting in touch with you and making plans to rekindle an old rela‑ tionship. You need to decide how to play it.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Five of Pentacles – Loss of money is lik‑ ely because of care‑ lessness. Maybe you booked for some‑ thing online without checking correctly? Be slow and sure.

Eight of Swords – Bonds are being sev‑ ered. This is unlikely to affect very strong relationships though. Someone is going to rock your boat. Be prepared.

Seven of Swords – Conﬂict and contra‑ diction will make you uncomfortable. Someone is oppos‑ ing you for the sake of opposing. Keep your cool.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Nine of Swords – Mental tension is making you restless. Sleep well, and take measures to empty your mind of baggage from the past. Move on.

Knight of Pentacles – A pet may need more care and att‑ ention. Spend quali‑ ty time with family to release tension and feel better, health‑wise.

Eight of Pentacles – Learn a new skill and develop an insight in‑ to the changing land‑ scape of the world around you. Your old skills may be too out‑ dated.

Six of Swords – Overseas contacts will make an irrestible offer. You will be asked to make important decisions based on your aspirations.

For Better or for Worse Stone soup

Unlucky young man young man goes into a drug store to buy condoms. The pharmacist says the condoms come in packs of 3, 9 or 12 and asks which the young man wants. "Well," he said, "I've been seeing this girl for a while and she's really hot. I want the condoms because I think tonight's ‘the’ night. We're having dinner with her parents, and then we're going out. And I've got a feeling I'm gonna get lucky after that." "Once she's had me, she'll want me all the time, so you'd better give

Ink pen

COMICS

Fred Basset

ARIES

TAROT READ

me the 12 pack." The young man makes his purchase and leaves. Later that evening, he sits down to dinner with his girlfriend and her parents. He asks if he might give the blessing and they agree. He begins the prayer, but continues praying for several minutes. The girl leans over to him and says, "You never told me that you were such a religious person." The boy leans over to her and whispers, "You never told me that your father is a pharmacist."

Vol: 1, No. 169 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No. 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad–500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad–500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon.com and for subscription, please call 040-40672222, Fax: 040-40672211

Spotlight

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012 PICS:A SUDHEER REDDY

he organisers of HITEX BITE 2012, promised a New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party like never before, and they certainly kept their word. There was pulsating music and a lot of fun. Singer Suraj Jagan of Delhi Belly and Rockstar fame enthralled the crowd with his singing. The party was held at the Hitex Campus in Madhapur and was organised by the Hyderabad International Trade Expositions Limited.

A musical medley